8. Develop momentum.
We’ve all been there: An attempt to get old coworkers together, or new moms or neighbors or old classmates stalls after the seventh “reply-all” response where no times seem to work for everyone. Or you like to chat with a dear friend on the phone, but both of you are always too busy to pick up. If you want to stay close, stop letting schedules contribute to the deterioration of the relationship. Pick a standing time—the second Sunday of every month is brunch, for instance, or every Wednesday afternoon is a phone chat during your commutes—and let it work automatically. The magic comes soon after, when the event becomes routine and ingrained and continues on its own—no planning needed.